It’s nice to see Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots answer a question clearly for once.  We all stood in unison and questioned what was wrong with the Red Zone offense.  Their response: absolutely nothing.  The Patriots came out on Sunday and turned 5 trips to the Red Zone into 3 touchdowns and two field goals.  And as we voiced concern over the defense, they continue to tell us they’ll be just fine.  With Vince Wilfork back, and the new mammoth in the middle, Terdell Sands, the defense stood tall when they needed to, and bailed out a late misfire by the offense.

While Wilfork, Sands, Wright, and the rest of the D-line controlled Baltimore’s running game (aside from a Ray Rice 50 yard scamper), it was the secondary that really shined.  Brandon Meriweather is morphing into a Pro Bowler right before our eyes.  A previously aging defense is suddenly young and fast, with Meriweather the prime example.  Paired with an emerging Brandon McGowan and New England is somehow deep at safety with James Sanders and Patrick Chung rotating into the fold.  Darius Butler made plays when he was given the opportunity, and Bodden finally snagged an INT for the defense.  Opponents be wary; this defense should only get better.

While the offense did improve in the Red Zone, they are still far from firing on all cylinders.  The running game was hit or miss with a plethora of draws and failed runs at the edges.  They got the yards when they had to (except on their final possession) and Morris made some nifty moves to hit pay dirt, but they still failed to rack up the yardage.  The team combined for 30 rushes totaling 85 yards.  That’s a paltry 2.8 yards a carry.  In the passing game, we’re starting to see more and more vintage Brady returning.  This week it was his ability to spread the ball around; nine different players caught a pass.  Welker looked strong in his return, and Benjamin Watson must have finally realized his contract is up after this year, because he is having a strong showing so far this season.

Some other notes…Sam Aiken replaces Joey Galloway as the outside option opposite Moss.  Could Terrence Nunn be promoted from the practice squad if Galloway is sent packing?...Sammy Morris has been taking lessons from Kevin Faulk, both backs are go to in the clutch…After the D forces a Baltimore turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter (kudos to Ty Warren on a stud play on 3rd and 1 and Guyton on 4th and 1), how can the offense fail to register at least one first down and chalk up another field goal?...Leigh Bodden’s toe drag was textbook…Brady had the time to look deep most of the game, but the Baltimore secondary continually forced the check down…Thoughts and prayers go out  Jared Gaither and family, hopefully he’ll make a full recovery from his reported head injury.  Thankfully early reports have him able to move both arms and legs.

The Patriots will now move on to preparing for the Denver Broncos and old pal Josh McDaniels.  While the national media will be speculating if Belichick and McDaniels will hug after the game, I’ll be waiting to see if the Patriots can continue to build on this latest win.